www.86thfloor.com     PREVIEWS VOL. XVIII #5 May 2008  

INTERNATIONAL SECTION


JAPANESE TOY PUBLICATIONS

HOBBY JAPAN AUGUST 2008
The key source for model kit building and customizing in Japan has a new look and a larger format! Plus, the monthly "How to Build..." feature, which shows readers how to build and customize the latest and greatest Gundam kits from Bandai! Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-3) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Magazine, 400pgs, PC SRP: $12.99

JAPANESE ANIME MAGAZINES

MEGAMI AUGUST 2008
Megami is the best Japanese anime magazine for tons of free giveaways, as well as full-color artwork and posters! Includes telephone cards, punch-out "character stands," stickers, and much more! Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-3) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Magazine, 174pgs, PC SRP: $14.99

NEWTYPE AUGUST 2008
Newtype is the top source for all your anime and manga needs! It features all of the latest news on anime, manga, music, and games. Includes toy and model reviews, interviews with directors and actors, and columns by industry experts. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-3) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Magazine, FC SRP: $10.99

IMPORTED BOOKS

365 SAMURAI AND A FEW BOWLS OF RICE... BOOK & GIFT ALBUM
by Jean-Philippe Kalonji & Stephane Pagani
365 Samurai and a few Bowls of Rice... is a bound book comprising 365 pages in a black and white postcard format. Unlike traditional comic-strip books, this work will feature a single drawing on each page, for 365 drawings in total. One of the major challenges facing the artist Jean-Philippe Kalonji, assisted by his co-writer Stephane Pagani, has been to tell this story, in which the symbolism of numbers is very much in evidence, without using any — or almost no — text. The pictures will speak for themselves by using a style of composition and narration similar to that used in the cinema. The story begins in torrential rain during a bloody combat. The main character, named Ningen (which means “human” in Japanese), will have to fight for 365 days against the same number of Samurai, whose names in Japanese will be related to the names of the days, months, and seasons. The presentation pack of the book includes one comic strip book, one 5" tall Ningen figurine, a set of 16 postcards (unpublished drawings not included in the comic-strip book), and a set of 12 stickers. Everything is neatly arranged in a plush box covered in Japanese-style fabric. French text. (133) (C: 0-1-3)
Book set, 10x15 PI

JAPANESE MERCHANDISE

MITSUKAZU MIHARA'S COFFIN OF FOOLS POSTCARDS
This postcard set is drawn by Mitsukazu Mihara, the charismatic illustrator known for his Gothic Lolita illustrations. The card box is shaped as a coffin, and the cards bear illustrations of dead lovers, drawn expressly for this 16-card postcard set. These beautiful cards can be displayed, or used as a unique postcard. Each postcard measures 4" x 7 1/2". Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-4) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Postcard set, HC, 4x8, 16pgs, FC SRP: $45.99

JAPANESE BOOKS

DENGEKI FIGURE NAVI OTOME-GUMI VOLUME 4
Spining off from the popular article, "Otome-Gumi," of Dengeki Hobby Magazine, Dengeki Figure Navi is a new irregular magazine that features a wealth of articles and photography on the latest bishoujo figures produced in Japan today. This fourth volume boasts a lengthy feature article on the new Revoltech figure line. Plus, find information on the latest bishoujo commercial figures in shops now and in the near feature. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-4) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
SC, 8x11, 80pgs, FC SRP: $19.99

FUSION WORKS: GUNDAM ULTIMATE FILE
Fusion Works: Gundam Ultimate File is the product of a collaboration between Bandai and Volks. With CG artwork based on Fusion Works' high-quality mini-figure Gundam Ultimate Operation line, this book will appeal both to fans of Fusion Works' attention to detail and to fans of the myriad worlds of Gundam. In addition, Fusion Works: Gundam Ultimate File catalogues the entire Gundam Ultimate Operation line. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-4) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Book w/ Slipcase, SC, 8x11, 97pgs, FC SRP: $48.99

GIRL'S MAGIC: AKEMI TAKADA ARTWORKS
The exquisite artwork of Akemi Takada features in Girl's Magic: Akemi Takada Artworks. The famous illustrator behind the character designs of Magical Angel Creamy Mami, Urusei Yatsura, Kimagure Orange Road, and more. Beyond her artwork form 2006 and 2007 for Novel Japan and Charano! magazine, Girl's Magic features new illustrations of Creamy Mami, and an interview with the artist herself. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-4) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Book w/ Slipcase, SC, 10x10, 96pgs, FC SRP: $88.99

GOTHIC & LOLITA BIBLE VOLUME 28
Gothic Lolita, or "Goth Loli," is a costuming fashion craze particularly popular among Japanese teenagers and young women that emphasizes Victorian-style girl's clothing. Packed with full-color photographs and articles, this guide introduces the many variations of the Gothic Lolita style, as well as original design patterns and reference material to craft your own costumes. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-4) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Magazine, SC, 8x11, 123pgs, FC SRP: $25.99

GROUNDWORK OF GURREN LAGANN BOOK 1
The hit anime, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, debuted in early 2007 from the dream team of Gainax — director Hiroyuki Imaishi, scenario creator Kazuki Nakajima, character designer Atsushi Nishikiori, and mechanic designer You Yoshinari. Set in a future where humanity has been forced from the surface of the Earth and lives underground, Gurren Lagann chronicles the story of a few humans willing to visit the surface and their attempts to retake the world from the robots that now rule it. Groundwork of Gurren Lagann features original and concept artwork from the series, plus beautiful illustrations taken from magazines. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-3) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
SC, 8x11, 308pgs, PC SRP: $58.99

GUNDAM PLASTIC MODEL YEARBOOK 2008
The first Gundam Gun-Pla plastic model was released in 1980. For 28 years, new Gun-Pla models were released as new animes were created and old models were revised. This book catalogues the Gundam models released from January 2007 through the end of the year. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-4) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
SC, 8x11, 122pgs, PC SRP: $39.99

HIGURASHI NO NAKU KORO NI KAI OFFICIAL CHARACTER AND SUMMARY BOOK
Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni Kai debuted on Japanese television in 2007 to great acclaim, and quickly became a popular horror/mystery anime. This book contains detailed introductions to the anime's characters, outlines of the mysteries of the anime, and explanations complete with charts and deep analyses of the cases in the world of Higurashi. Also, get the complete story on the "Cat Killer." This book also features interviews with the original writer, director, and main voice casts. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-4) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
SC, 8x11, 111pgs, FC SRP: $42.99

KASO COSTUME KANTAN SEISAKU BOOK
When making costumes for cosplay, drama, dance, and more, the Kano Costume Kantan Seaisaku book will be a useful textbook to have at hand. Sewing costumes has never been easier with the paper patterns included, and "How To" guides explain the creation process with photos and illustrations. Costumes featured include: school uniform for boy and girl (sailor style), Army jacket, China dress, kimono, hakama, prince costume, mantaw, boots cover, witch hat, and more! Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-3) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
SC, 8x11, 96pgs, FC SRP: $23.99

LITTLE STARS ON THE EARTH SC
by Kaya Kuramoto
Little Stars on the Earth is a legendary visual story by Kaya Kuramoto. When the book was first released, the book sold out almost instantly. Repeated fan requests for a reprint has led to this new, upgraded edition. With the original, fantastic story displaying Kuramoto's amazing translucent color work, Little Stars on the Earth features new stories and illustrations. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-4) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
SC, 8x11, 111pgs, FC SRP: $46.99

LUCKY STAR: RYOUOU GAKUEN OUTOUSAI GAME GUIDE
Lucky Star, the Japanese comic strip published in Comptiq, was adapted as a video game for the PlayStation 2 and was released in January 2008. This book is a complete guide to playing Lucky Star: Gyouou Gakuen Outousai, with walkthroughs to unlock every secret. All 7 game scenarios, plus the secret scenario, are documented and fully explained with detailed decision tree charts. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-4) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Book, SC, 7x10, 127pgs, FC SRP: $27.99

MAGICAL GIRL LYRICAL NANOHA ORIGINAL SKETCHES
No fan of Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha will want to miss this official story and original sketches collection made by Gakken with the full cooperation of Seven Arks, the animation studio. Over 800 original works used in the anime's 13 episodes are printed alongside the stories, plus artwork taken from the opening and transformation sequences. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-4) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
SC, 8x11, 223pgs, B&W SRP: $48.99

MAGICAL GIRL LYRICAL NANOHA A'S ORIGINAL SKETCHES
Go behind the creation of Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A's, the sequel to Gakken's popular anime Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, with this collection of original sketches and artwork taken from the series. All thirteen episodes of the series are covered, with over 800 illustrations and a complete episode guide. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-4) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
SC, 8x11, 223pgs, B&W SRP: $48.99

OFFERED AGAIN

O/A THE MANGA COOKBOOK
Reading manga sure can make a person hungry! Food appears frequently in Japanese comics, but what exactly is it that the characters are eating? Introducing The Manga Cookbook, an illustrated step-by-step guide to preparing simple Japanese dishes using ingredients found in every Western kitchen. Learn to identify and make the same things you see in all of your favorite manga: authentic onigiri (rice balls), yakitori (skewered chicken), oshinko (pickled vegetables), udon (Japanese noodles), okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pizza), and many others! Includes sections on how to assemble bento boxed lunches and properly use chopsticks. Features original manga illustrations by Chihiro Hattori. (4979) (C: 1-1-3) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
SC, 6x9, 144pgs, B&W SRP: $14.95

STAR OF THE MONTH

MANGA MOODS HC
by Saori Takarai
A raised eyebrow, a curled lip, a wink of the eye. All it takes is a single clever stroke of the G-pen to instantly change a manga character's mood from one extreme to the other: glad to sad, sassy to shy, angry to embarrassed. Illustrator Saori Takarai presents original pencil sketches alongside her finished, full-color drawings, to show just how the transformations take place. In addition, each of the facial expressions is labeled with the Japanese word for the mood being depicted, along with common Japanese conversational phrases and simple translations, making this delightful book a great gift for aspiring artists, language enthusiasts and manga fans alike! (4979) (SEP078054) (C: 1-1-3) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
HC, PC SRP: $9.99

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SUZUMIYA HARUHI NO TOMADOI OFFICIAL FAN BOOK
Based on the anime, The Melancholoy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Suzumiya Haruhi No Tomadoi is game for the Sony PlayStation 2. The game's premise? Haruhi made a command to the SOS team to create a video game! This book contains instructions in how to complete the creation, how to get tusks, all the game's events, and more. With a variety of different gameplay styles, from role-playing game to growing simulation, gamers will discover the game that Haruhi wants with this official guidebook! Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-3) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
SC, 8x11, 127pgs, FC SRP: $31.99

TATTOO DESIGN BOOK: DRAGONS & ANIMALS
Get the latest on Japanese tattoo design with this comprehensive artbook featuring some of the latest designs featuring creatures both real and fantastical. The animal kingdom is well-represented with animals of the ground, in the sky, and beneath the ocean waves. Dragons out of legend — mainly Japanese, but also Chinese and Western dragons — feature prominently as well. In addition to photography of tattoos applied to the skin, the book also features many design cuts using Japanese dragons as drawn by popular tattoo designers working today. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-3) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
SC, 6x8, 159pgs, FC SRP: $35.99

TORU KANAMORI: SF ART ORIGINAL SKETCHES
Toru Kanamori is a famous Japanese illustrator of science fiction art. He has been drawing illustrations for Mystery Magazine and SF Magazine for over 30 years. In this first artbook looking at his science fictional artwork, 152 pieces of artwork are featured, both in black-and-white and full-color. Japanese text. (7819) (C: 1-1-4) NOTE: Not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
SC, 7x10, 176pgs, PC SRP: $54.99

JAPANESE MANGA INSTRUCTIONAL

OFFERED AGAIN

O/A HOW TO DRAW MANGA TP'S
Now back in stock! Reoffering select volumes of the best-selling series! These are select volumes in the popular and best-selling How To Draw Manga series, the English-language instructional series featuring authentic instructional data for beginners in the art of manga. If you want begin to learn manga, or to just improve your artistic techniques for drawing exciting manga stories, these volumes are all highly recommended! (8193) (C: 0-1-2)
VOLUME 1—SC, 7x10, 116pgs, B&W SRP: $16.99
VOLUME 2—SC, 7x10, 120pgs, B&W SRP: $18.99
VOLUME 3—SC, 124pgs, B&W SRP: $18.99
VOLUME 4—SC, 128pgs, B&W SRP: $18.99

EUROPEAN IMPORTS

AMAZONS PORTFOLIO
by Hector Gomez
Sexy Amazons feature on these 6 full-color prints by Hector Gomez. Each print measures 11" x 14". (133) (C: 0-1-3)
Prints w/ slipcase, 11x14 SRP: $6.99

BARBARIAN BABES PORTFOLIO
by Steve Fastner & Rich Larson
Sword-swinging sirens are showcased on these 6 full-color art prints that will take collectors on a journey of death, destruction, and fabulous females. Each print measures 11" x 14", and comes in a clear slipcase that showcases the print images on its front. (133) (C: 0-1-3)
Prints w/ slipcase, 11x14 SRP: $6.99

BORN TO THE BLOOD PORTFOLIO
by Blas Gallego
Enter a world of barbaric savagery, warlords, mercenaries, and women of desire in this collection of 6 full-color prints from artist Blas Gallego. Measuring 11" x 14" each, these prints will appeal to any connoisseur of fantasy artwork. (133) (C: 0-1-3)
Prints w/ slipcase, 11x14 SRP: $6.99

PETZ II: FANGS & FEMALES PORTFOLIO
by Steve Fastner & Rich Larson
Artists Steve Fastner and Rich Larson imagine a world of savage beasts controlled by awesome beauties in this collection of 6 full-color art prints that measure 11" x 14". (133) (C: 0-1-3)
Prints w/ slipcase, 11x14 SRP: $6.99

TOUCH OF THE TEMPTRESS PORTFOLIO
by Estaban Maroto
Popular artist Estaban Maroto presents 6 full-color, stunning prints of beautiful women. Measuring 11" x 14" each, these prints come packaged in a clear slipcase that showcases images of each print on its front. (133) (C: 0-1-3)
Prints w/ slipcase, 11x14 SRP: $6.99

WAR BRIDES PORTFOLIO (SIGNED EDITION)
by Kim DeMulder
Artist Kim DeMulder showcases 6 exotic ladies in full-color with this portfolio of art prints. Signed by the artist and limited to an edition of 2,500, these prints measure 11" x 14" and come in a clear slipcase that features images of the prints on its front. (133) (C: 0-1-3)
Prints w/ slipcase, 11x14 SRP: $6.99